How you can “build” your path in architecture! 

For starters, here too like most career pursuits, certain subjects become important to study from high school itself. These include mathematics, physics and if your school offers it (either as a main subject or elective) - technical drawing or art and design. 

While math and physics are crucial in making accurate calculations and understanding the properties of construction materials, drawing and design help develop your creativity and visualization skills!

Did you know? Taking some short/online courses in computer science can be beneficial too as a lot of architecture today depends on computing graphics and design software during the planning stages. 

What does your Undergraduate Program hold? 

In India, one’s architectural journey usually begins with pursuing a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) which is a 5-year course recognized by the Council of Architecture. 

Some top institutions in the country today include the various Indian Institutes of Technology (IITS) with Kolkata being specifically popular in this regard. The School of Planning and Architecture in New Delhi and the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Calicut are other places that offer brilliant programs. 

Now, architecture is also a practical area of study meaning that courses combine theoretical learning with hands-on training in subjects like design theory, building science and urban planning. 

On an international scale, schools like Princeton University, MIT and Yale are some of the most renowned in their UG programs. For those who may be particularly interested in urban design, New York University (NYU)’s program is a well-recommended option! 

The next steps 

Although not necessary, after completing the B.Arch, many students choose to follow it up with a Master’s degree to polish their architectural skills. This usually lasts 2-years and provides experience through internships, research projects and specializations in areas like - 

1. Sustainability (which focuses on combining one’s architecture with environmental consciousness and constructing buildings made of eco-friendly materials). 

2. Landscape architecture (which includes the design of not residential but outdoor spaces like parks and buildings). 

3. Heritage conservation (that focuses on the maintaining, beautifying and preserving  historical constructions) and 

4. Interior design (which plans internal environments of apartments, homes, malls, movie theaters and more). 

Tools, training and looking ahead 

When it comes to a field as intricate and scientific as architecture, alongside degrees, building one’s skillset in drafting software like AutoCAD and Revit are equally important. Other than technical tools too, understanding and remembering local laws and building codes while developing soft skills like delegation of tasks and team work is also integral. 

These are usually developed over time through team-projects and internships, even outside of what your college may offer. In India again for instance, working with renowned firms like Hafeez Contractor or Balkrishna Doshi’s studios would provide invaluable experience. The same can also be researched on sites like LinkedIn and Glassdoor when looking abroad. 

While in India, architects must register with the Council of Architecture by passing the National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA), global licensing requirements may vary but tend to offer similar certifications! 

And finally, career opportunities for architects are vast. You could work on public/government projects, design urban spaces or even specialize in one of the other above mentioned areas! Buildings and spaces, old or new are going nowhere and are constantly in demand. 

The future of architecture is all the more exciting with trends like green buildings, smart cities and innovative materials that don’t compromise non-renewable resources! So, if you’re drawn to designing skyscrapers or restoring cultural sites, architecture might just be your calling to leave your mark behind on the world. 

Sources: 

1. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nU9GnD6E6E1ixsTP5HJ83nE2GS_33m93jS7zxqulwnE/edit?tab=t.0 

2. https://www.shiksha.com/b-arch-bachelor-of-architecture-syllabus-chp 

3. https://bestcolleges.indiatoday.in/rankings/architecture 

4. https://www.glassdoor.com/Job/us-architectural-intern-jobs-SRCH_IL.0,2_IN1_KO3,23.htm